Zambia Independent Tabloid

  Commission cites attacks on poll staff and theft of marked ballot papers as Zambia awaits outcome of the 2026 general election By Staff Reporter LUSAKA, Zambia, 14 August 2026 The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has suspended the counting of votes and announcement of election results across the country following reports of violence against election officials and the theft of marked ballot papers in some districts. The suspension, announced in a press release dated 14 August 2026, takes immediate effect and applies nationwide. It comes at a critical stage of the electoral process, as Zambians await results from the presidential, parliamentary and local government elections held on Thursday, 13 August. ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis, State Counsel, said the Commission had received disturbing reports of violence during the counting and announcement of results in parts of the country. According to the statement, poll staff were deliberately targeted in some incidents, while m...